The Lowest-Rated Games of This Year, Based on Metacritic

At every turn, fans are eagerly sharing their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the failures? We'll take a few moments to recognize the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Is every one of these games as disappointing as the reviews suggest? Let's find out.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10

First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a free pack-in like similar console launches. Reviewer sentiment varied dramatically, from harsh disappointment to slightly kinder reviews that highlighted the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the debate, the title proved to be a surprisingly robust commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10

Billed as "not just a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, particularly in a year featuring high-quality racing games. Ultimately, this underwhelming entry was best left on the shelf.

8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection

Metascore: 53/100, Audience Score: 8.6/10

Before we start: the awkward colon usage is a silly strike against it. This compilation of retro platforming games showcases a "attitude"-filled feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The improbably high user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the Metascore.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based brawler faced widespread disappointment from both critics and players. It was lambasted for a thin roster of characters and a dearth of content. Fan reaction was notably harsh, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would serve as a lesson for the developers.

6. Riders Vs Dogoos

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this vehicle combat game tasks players with rounding up cute monsters. Critics argued that its effort to mimic a unique feel didn't land, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy series entry. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, Audience Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the past, seeing the light of day after nearly two decades in legal limbo. The developers consciously chose to release the game as an authentic product of its time, acknowledging that modern gamers might not appreciate its dated design. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was far richer than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter modeled after games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. The main issues centered on repetitive adversaries, repetitive levels, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's enjoyment.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the engaging surgery games of the past, then take out the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Players found the core gameplay loop to be monotonous, and the narrative's handling of serious themes was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This new direction for the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a minigame collection title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of repetitive tasks that very soon grew tiresome. Some reviews went so far as to label it one of the worst titles available on its platform, noting a profound lack of depth.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a notable critical flop. Reviews universally panned its weak action, dull missions, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to previous-generation games in the action genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a tiny number of positive user reviews found fun in the experience, offering a distinct counterpoint.